The Unofficial Guide to College Station: Part II, Everything You Need to Know
STARTERS
Official website - LINK
FACILITY
George P. Mitchell Tennis Center is very nice. At the 12 varsity courts, the south side is called the Grandstand, while the north side is called the Stadium side. Bathrooms are below at court level, underneath the stadium.
FUN FACT – Texas A&M expects to string over 700 racquets this week.
They will use three stringers, led by Bryan High School tennis coach, Randy Stewart,
a former president of the Texas Tennis Coaches Association.
TICKETS
All-Session
Stadium Club: $103
Adult General Admission: $78
Youth General Admission: $35
Single Day Ticket
Stadium Club is a covered seat in a reserved area and is $12.
General Admission tickets are $10 for Adults and $4 for youth/students.
WEATHER - LINK
Pack your sunscreen and shorts. It has been starting to get hot. We are talking mid-80’s to 90’s
LODGING
If you don’t have lodging by now, you are probably hosed. Not only is it the Sweet 16, but also TAMU graduation this week. The town is going to be packed, so be prepared.
PARKING
Parking will be interesting on Thursday through Saturday, from what I hear with graduation. It is my understanding that the tennis parking lot is being reserved for teams, media and staff. This likely means that across the street at Reed Arena will be the place to park.
THINGS TO DO
Let’s get this straight, I am from Austin, so we would joke that the real answer is just turn around, but since you are here for a bit and need a serious answer, here you go.
George Bush Presidential Library - LINK
The Official Library of Bush Sr. The library is very near the tennis center. An avid sportsman, he has been known to make the drive up from Houston and catch a tennis match or two each season.
FUN FACT – Dogs are not allowed at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center,
however, two exceptions are made: Reveille, the Texas A&M mascot and Ranger,
a puppy of Millie, the famous Bush dog.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort - LINK
This place is supposedly the perfect place to get away for a nice lunch, if you have the time. It has won all sorts of awards
Texas A&M Campus Tour - LINK
It starts at the Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center in Rudder Tower. You may need to make an appointment.
FOOD
BEST PLACES FOR MOM AND DAD (aka Upscale)
Messina Hof Winery – see above
Café Eccell Steakhouse – LINK
from what I have heard, this place is awesome for steak
Café Eccell – LINK
seafood, steaks and wood burning pizzas
La Bodega – LINK
across the street from café Eccell, this place is more baja than Tex-Mex
MOST FAMOUS PLACE TO EAT (ALSO BEST HAMBURGER) - LINK
Dixie Chicken – Right near campus on University, this place is legendary. They have several different places, but the original is the only one I can speak about. Burgers and beer, they claim they serve more beer per square foot than any other bar in the U.S.
SECOND MOST FAMOUS PLACE TO EAT -LINK
Freebirds – Possibly the best thing to come out of College Station (other than most every vet worth his/her salt in the state) this is a burrito place like Moe’s or Chipotle. I actually like it better than Chipotle and it is usually the only place I eat in CS, although the best burrito I ever had was some veggie one in Berkeley, right near campus on the opposite side from the drag.
HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED BURGER AND BBQ – LINK
Koppe Bridge Bar and Grill – I have never been here, but word is they know what they are doing.
BEST BAR-B-Q – LINK
J. Cody’s – That’s what my friends say. Mesquite grilled steaks and bbq. What else do you need?
BEST CHAIN BBQ – LINK
Rudy’s BBQ – Started at an old gas station in Leon Springs, Texas, this thing has grown into almost 30 locations. They are known for their peppery-sauce and bbq is always perfect. The sauce is so good I have co-workers in NY that I have to send it to regularly.
BEST PLACES TO TAKE A TEAM OR LARGE GROUP
Outback – This is a regular spot for the A&M team meals. You know what you are getting.
Jason’s Deli – A chain that is very popular here in Texas and headquartered in Beaumont, they have great sandwiches and a salad bar. It is packed, but they can handle it. It is supposedly the top-grossing store in the entire chain. If you go during lunch, take one of the A&M coaches. They know how to get through the line the fastest, as I think they eat there every day.
Olive Garden – Again, you know what you are getting each time.
Boston’s – A local place that serves gourmet pizza and a sports bar. I know what you are thinking, “gourmet pizza in College Station?” I have heard very nice things about it.
Blue Baker – Another local pizza place that comes highly recommended.
PLACES MOST LIKELY TO FIND A COACH OR 25-YEAR OLD EUROPEAN PLAYERS IN THE EVENING (aka a bar)
That is just a joke.
Boston’s – see above.
The Tap – Full menu, lunch specials, pool, darts, trivia
Dixie Chicken – see above
Fox & Hound – Full-service tavern, billiards, food, darts, shuffle board. Good stuff. Supposedly the #1 hangout of a former TAMU coaching staff.
SHOPPING
I don’t know why, but if that’s your bag, I asked. I have heard to stay away from the mall unless you really need A/C and basics. If you need to do some high-end shopping and aren’t driving to Houston, then there are a few choices.
Witts End, Charli’s and The Closet Door are considered nice high-end shopping for women.
